200$ to install a brake fitting kit?!?

[Dandingo]

So I bring in the 2004 Highlander to Toyota for it's 50,000 mile service which consist of an oil change and tire rotation. The tech informs me that I need a new steering column which I kind of knew because I have had the issue since last year but my local Toyota shop just lubricated it, they never replaced it as per the TSB. No big deal as I have a Platinum Warranty and they replace it within an hour.

I had also complained that at very low speeds(under 20MPH) the brakes click when the pedal is depressed while turning. It is extremely noticeable when parallel parking. I have brought this issue up to many Toyota techs and they all say that it is just the calipers sliding back and forth and that it is OK. The new tech says that he reproduced the issue and that I need a "Brake Fitting Kit" which is essentially metal clips that hold the brake pads in line with the caliper so they don't shift.

The kit costs $40 for all 4 brakes and the install is $200.....$200?!? I am not a genius when it comes to cars but I am in construction and fully understand the costs of labor it just seems that this is excessive. It took a tech an hour to replace my steering column....how long could it possibly take them to install 4 "clips' on my brakes and why is it so much?

Do I have a valid argument or am I just being cheap because the Holidays are around the corner?

[DeathKnight]

That is excessive. Just buy the kit. If you don't want to do it yourself get some labor quotes at some other establishments.

[Dandingo]

Originally Posted by DeathKnight

That is excessive. Just buy the kit. If you don't want to do it yourself get some labor quotes at some other establishments.

I already purchased it I just have to wait for it to come in. I really do not understand the high cost of the labor. They just changed my oil, rotated the tires and topped off all fluids for $47.99....why would they charge $200 to install clips on the brake pads?

I will definitely question it...not going to do something blindly because they say so.

[VW_Factor]

Originally Posted by Dandingo

I already purchased it I just have to wait for it to come in. I really do not understand the high cost of the labor. They just changed my oil, rotated the tires and topped off all fluids for $47.99....why would they charge $200 to install clips on the brake pads?

I will definitely question it...not going to do something blindly because they say so.

I would have taken them 10 minutes to do while rotating the tires.. They are trying to fleece you.

Anyway, your vehicle should have those clips already from the factory. Even cheap cars have pad clips.

[Dandingo]

Originally Posted by VW_Factor

I would have taken them 10 minutes to do while rotating the tires.. They are trying to fleece you.

Anyway, your vehicle should have those clips already from the factory. Even cheap cars have pad clips.

They didn't have them in stock which is why they ordered them and why they couldn't install them just yet...supposedly when the brakes were last changed the installer neglected the pad clips.

[VW_Factor]

Originally Posted by Dandingo

They didn't have them in stock which is why they ordered them and why they couldn't install them just yet...supposedly when the brakes were last changed the installer neglected the pad clips.

They shouldnt charge you again for something that should have been there to begin with off the factory line.

[Dandingo]

Originally Posted by VW_Factor

They shouldnt charge you again for something that should have been there to begin with off the factory line.

It's a 2004...the brake pads are not the originals as they were changed @ 30,000 miles. The shop that replaced them is not the Toyota service center that diagnosed the clicking or where I get the maintenance done @.

[VW_Factor]

Originally Posted by Dandingo

It's a 2004...the brake pads are not the originals as they were changed @ 30,000 miles. The shop that replaced them is not the Toyota service center that diagnosed the clicking or where I get the maintenance done @.

FYI, those clips can be had at most parts houses for under 5 bones. Your maintenance shop fails.

[Dandingo]

Originally Posted by VW_Factor

FYI, those clips can be had at most parts houses for under 5 bones. Your maintenance shop fails.

I checked online and the cheapest I could find them for is around $15 for the front and $16 for the back. They charge me $41 so they made $10 off of me if I assume I could have gotten the parts shipped to me with no tax and free shipping.

The cost of the parts isn't what bugs me because that seems perfectly fine...the $200 is driving me up the damn wall.

It is the part labeled 04948

[Trunks0]

it should, they essentially charged you $200 dollars for under an hours worth of labour.

[Dandingo]

Originally Posted by Trunks0

it should, they essentially charged you $200 dollars for under an hours worth of labour.

They have not done it yet, they ordered the parts and will call me when they come in. I am going to tell them to at the very least cut the price in half or I will request the parts and take my business elsewhere.

[night]

if it's the sound i'm thinking then that is caused by siezed pins.

They just changed my oil, rotated the tires and topped off all fluids for $47.99.

oil changes are basically free. they get you in the door and it is our job to find something else wrong to then sell you that.

[Dandingo]

Originally Posted by night

if it's the sound i'm thinking then that is caused by siezed pins.




oil changes are basically free. they get you in the door and it is our job to find something else wrong to then sell you that.

This place is usually very upfront. It isn't some side street mechanic, it is the service center @ a Toyota dealership. It is where I bring the Highlander for scheduled maintenance. I am fully aware that service shops policy is to get you to pay ridiculous fee's for the most minute task...such as the time they wanted $80 to replace the cabin air filter and I laughed in there face.

The shop is only identifying and fixing problems that I pointed out to them and in there defense, they replaced the steering column within 1 hour and even gave me a copy of the correct TSB for my records which is 100x times more than the other "Certified" Toyota service center did.

There is no doubt in my mind though that they are definitely trying to squeeze cash out of me so I am just going to have to play a little hardball and get the labor cost drastically reduced.